Write-In Candidates

In order to become a write-in candidate in the general election, file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy (PDF) with the Secretary of State or your county judge, as appropriate (see chart), no earlier than July 23, 2016, and no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 22, 2016. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 146.025. Your declaration must be accompanied by either a filing fee or a nominating petition (PDF) signed by a certain number of qualified voters. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 146.023(b), 146.0231, 146.0232. A person who was a candidate for office in the primary election is ineligible for a place on the list of write-in candidates for that same office in the succeeding general election for state and county officers. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §162.015. Write-in candidates are not permitted in primary elections, except for the party office of county chair or precinct chair. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 172.112. For the party office of county or precinct chair, you must file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy with the county party chair no earlier than November 21, 2015 and no later than 6:00 p.m. on December 21, 2015. (deadline extended under Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 1.006) Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 146.021, 146.025(a), 171.0231(d), (e).

Percentage of all votes for all gubernatorial candidates cast in the applicable territory in the 2014 general election. If number is less than 50, a larger percentage may be required. Consult Secretary of State for further information. Tex. Elec. Code Ann. §§ 146.023, 172.025.

Pay higher fee if county has at least 200,000 inhabitants according to 2010 Census.